This package consists of a set of readings of Early English texts. The texts are divided into three Sections: Section A (Old English Texts), Section B (Middle English Texts) and Section C (Early Modern English Texts). However, it should be noted that texts spanning the transition between OE and ME, and between ME and EModE, are also included. For pedagogic reasons, the editorial principles adopted vary from text to text, and between sections.

Texts are drawn for the most part from standard editions and readers, with some modifications and emendations to enable them better to serve the purposes of beginners. Some in Section C are drawn from early printed books contemporary with the authors.